The paper reviews literature on the family-ecological perspective regarding autism and examines the bidirectional influences among child, family, professional, and school. It is noted that, in contradiction of psychogenic theories of autism, research suggests that parents of autistic children are not more pathological than parents of otherwise handicapped children. The effects of marital and sibling subsystems are considered, and lack of research on the topic is noted. It is asserted that medical professionals and educators can interact with parents and family members in ways that either reduce stress and help ameliorate a difficult situation or exacerbate existing difficulties. (Author/CL)